Please, My 1997 H376 has a solar panel on the deck forward of the companionway. How do I determine if it is functional? The wire connection is sealed on the panel's underside. I assume the wires run through the mid-ceiling channel to the electrical board at the Nav station but I'm having difficulty locating where they exit. Once found, how do I test to see if panel is functional ? Any help is much appreciated. Thanx. Fair Winds..... MRF
Deck Solar Panel
- Thread starter John Murphy
- Start date
Well, on my 40.5 there is a fuse in the battery compartment on the 3-way switch panel that is labeled "solar" you might check there and use a volt meter to test if there is voltage on one of the terminals. the wires on mine do not go to the nav station but do run in the wire run from nav station aft to the batteries.
Also, there is a panel providing access to the travler mounting bolts on the headliner port and starboard of the companinionway. I have access the the solar panel wires there.
to test if the panel is working just test for voltage above 12 volts. the panels, of course, must be in sun.
Also, there is a panel providing access to the travler mounting bolts on the headliner port and starboard of the companinionway. I have access the the solar panel wires there.
to test if the panel is working just test for voltage above 12 volts. the panels, of course, must be in sun.
if it is millivolts it isn't working as the voltage has to be more than the battery voltage to charge
I believe you're thinking of milliamps.
Easiest way is to just check the battery voltage with a tester while shorepower is disconnected, the engine is off, and the panel is in the sun. Should read at least 14v or so if the battery isn't totally drained.
80 watts at 14.4 volts would be 80/14.4=5.5 amps so milli anything is wrong. Are you sure that you are testing the right wires? millivolts is normal for most any wire that is not grounded due to all the radio and electronical stuff nearby.
All,
I stand corrected. Below is an excerpt from the users manual for a Nature Power, 85-watt panel.
Monitoring your Solar System
To confirm that your solar panels are generating power we suggest purchasing a multi-meter. Annual testing and inspections are recommended to confirm all connections are secure and panels are functioning properly. Open voltage testing of solar panels may range from 11 Volts up to 21.6 Volts depending on the intensity of the sun, this is within normal range. Upon annual inspections it is recommended to wipe all solar panels with a damp towel to remove dust and debris covering the panels, as layers of dust can affect the solar panel voltage.
I stand corrected. Below is an excerpt from the users manual for a Nature Power, 85-watt panel.
Monitoring your Solar System
To confirm that your solar panels are generating power we suggest purchasing a multi-meter. Annual testing and inspections are recommended to confirm all connections are secure and panels are functioning properly. Open voltage testing of solar panels may range from 11 Volts up to 21.6 Volts depending on the intensity of the sun, this is within normal range. Upon annual inspections it is recommended to wipe all solar panels with a damp towel to remove dust and debris covering the panels, as layers of dust can affect the solar panel voltage.
On our 376 I just took the 8 or so screws out holding the panel retainer in place and metered the connections. If I remember correctly I cut the wires to measure the voltage. You could also use leads with sharp points to penetrate the wire shielding. My panel is still working after 17 years. 
Check the diode
This prevents the alternator or charger from back- charging the solar panel.
Check the panel output voltage before the diode.
There is a diode, (likely 1N4004), in series with the output.On our 376 I just took the 8 or so screws out holding the panel retainer in place and metered the connections. If I remember correctly I cut the wires to measure the voltage. You could also use leads with sharp points to penetrate the wire shielding. My panel is still working after 17 years.
This prevents the alternator or charger from back- charging the solar panel.
Check the panel output voltage before the diode.